New Small Audio*Video shop

[DEVILMAN]

Hey all:
Wondering if any of my audio 4Runner friends can help me out HERE

I am starting a small audio business. I plan on just selling a few things here and there and mostly to myself and friends.
I am having trouble finding a distributor that is NOT BULLSHIT. I am not looking at taking over your market or anything so don't be afraid of competition. I am just a Car guy who loves audio. Can anyone offer any names of suppliers,distributors, or dropshippers that are the real deal..
I do have a tax id. and i am licensed....

Please help!!
MIke Farr
[email protected]

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Alpine, Kicker, you need a supplier for wire, FI, RE, Sundown. Those are just a few off the top of my head.

 

[A/V1]

I'm sure you've found this out, but it kinda sucks getting an audio business started. To get the big names, you have to invest in a lot of stock and move so much per month, and/or sell mostly what they want you to sell. You're probably going to have to start out selling some of the smaller names first until you get established.

If you are doing this just for yourself and some of your friends, I honestly don't see the distributors doing much with you.
You've got to see it from their side too. They aren't going to sell to just anybody with a tax ID - there goes their HUGE (H-U-G-E) profit margins. And they aren't going to make you a distributor until they know YOU aren't bullshitting THEM either. Sorry, don't mean any offense here, but that's reality. I've looked into it in the past as well. It's not a cheap or easy business to get started in.

 

[tarheeltp17]

AV1 is correct, and the worst of the all is Directed Electronics. If i remember correctly they told one of the shops that I worked at that if he wanted to keep their product he would have to buy $10,000 worth of their product. 10k in alarms? HOLY CHIT. And thats at cost! Since no one is a fan of their overheads or anything else they make, thats a lot of product considering even their most expensive alarm + remote start at cost is under $300!

However if you can find actual distributors and not go right through the manufacturer, you might get lucky. But don't be surprised if these guys turn you away too especially if their ties with the other local shops are good. Unfortunately the only stuff thats really easy to get your hands on is everyones marine product.

 

[tarheeltp17]

Oh and one more thing... Tax-ID isn't really going to hurt the distributor. They don't make anything off tax anyway.

 

[DEVILMAN]

Hey Guys i appreciate the advice.
Yeah i know it takes money to make money..

I have found two distributors that will sell B2b with me. i just wanted to see if there was anything out there i was missing.

The good part the dist i have is 20 mnts away form me/ These guys DO NOT advertise there business. Therefore they are VERY VERY hard to find..

I APPRECIATE THE HELP GUYS!...
HAVE A GOOD ONE!!

MIKE FARR
SPECIALIZEDAUDIO.NET
" STILL UNDERCONSTRUCTION"
CHECK US OUT LATER,

DISCOUNTS FOR MY 4RUNNER BRO'S..